Crossover clash: Mitsubishi XForce vs. Toyota Corolla Cross

Mitsubishi has released the XForce as its new entry into the Philippine crossover segment.  Specifically, it is the Japanese marque’s contender in the ever-competitive subcompact category. 

In terms of price, however, its top-spec GT CVT trim is priced at P1.581 million, which is slightly more expensive than the Toyota Corolla Cross G HEV, which is available locally for P1.498 million. 

So how do the two aforementioned crossover models compare spec-wise? Let’s find out. 

Tale of the Tape

When it comes to size, the XForce GT is 4,390-millimeters (mm) long, 1,810-mm wide, and 1,660-mm in height. Its wheelbase spans 2,650-mm, while offering a ground clearance of 193-mm. 

Meanwhile, the Toyota Corolla Cross G HEV is 4,455-mm long, 1,825-mm wide, and 1,620-mm in height. The Toyota model’s wheelbase is 2,650-mm long, and it has a ground clearance of 180-mm. 

According to the figures shown above, the Corolla Cross G is the larger vehicle of the two. It also has a longer wheelbase, but it is slightly lower to the ground with its shorter height and less generous ground clearance.

Exterior 

On the outside, the Mitsubishi XForce goes for a slick futuristic look achieved by its prominent T-shaped LED daytime running lamps, an aggressive-looking lower front bumper, and a relatively wide grille. 

From the side, the XForce gets plenty of character lines and black plastic claddings, which is typical of the crossover segment. Its rear, on the other hand, provides more eye candy via its prominent roof-mounted spoiler, its pair of T-shaped LED taillights, and its angular rear bumper. 

In comparison, the Toyota Corolla Cross sports an equally modern-looking fascia thanks to its pair of sharp LED headlamp clusters, wide grille, and shapely front bumper. It also has a smoother-looking side portion, albeit black plastic claddings are still present. Its rear, however, is quieter-looking compared to the Mitsubishi model, though it still presents a roof-mounted spoiler and a pair of sharp LED taillights. 

Other exterior equipment shared by the XForce GT and the Toyota Corolla Cross G are power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and front fog lamps. 

The Mitsubishi model, though, lacks chrome trimming altogether, while the Toyota does have some on its grille and window lines. Also, the XForce GT uses a set of 18-inch wheels, while the Corolla Cross G gets a 17-inch set. 

Interior

From the inside, both vehicles are five-seaters equipped with enough amenities to pamper their occupants. Both get automatic dual-zone air-conditioning systems to cool everyone inside. The two crossovers also have ample USB charging ports, a wireless smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and bottle holders, among other features. 

However, the XForce GT has ambient interior lighting, while the Corolla Gross G does not. Mitsubishi uses leather upholstery, while Toyota has to make do with fabric seats. 

The XForce also offers more cargo versatility due to its 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. On the other hand, the Toyota has a more basic 60:40 split-folding rear seat. 

For their drivers, the two crossover models offer a neatly arranged dashboard equipped with push-to-start buttons, an electronic parking brake, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, and a drive mode selector. 

The Mitsubishi model, however, gets a fully digital eight-inch instrument panel, while the Toyota combines a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display with analog gauges. 

For onboard entertainment, the XForce GT has a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the other hand, the Corolla Cross G has a smaller 10-inch central display, which offers the same wireless smartphone connectivity as Mitsubishi’s infotainment system. 

The one on the Toyota, though, is linked to a generic six-piece speaker set. In comparison, the Mitsubishi comes with a Yamaha eight-piece speaker system, which promises better sound quality. 

Engine

For its engine, the Mitsubishi XForce uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine capable of producing up to 103 horsepower (hp) and 141 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Ensuring ride comfort for the XForce is a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear end. Other notable mechanical features of the Mitsubishi crossover are four-wheel disc brakes and several drive modes (normal, we, gravel, and mud.)

The Toyota Corolla Cross G, meanwhile, is propelled by a 1.8-liter hybrid mill with a total system output of 120 horsepower and 142 Nm. Like the Mitsubishi model, it also uses a CVT, which sends power to its front wheels. In addition, the Toyota also has drive modes, specifically economy, power, and an electric-only mode. 

For braking, the Corolla Cross uses discs for all four wheels. It likewise uses a MacPherson strut for its front suspension and a torsion beam for its rear. 

Based on the figures mentioned above, the Corolla Cross G comes off as a more powerful crossover, at least on paper. 

As hinted at by the two model’s drive modes, it seems Mitsubishi also positioned the XForce as a more rugged vehicle that’s capable of going over rough terrain. The Toyota crossover’s drive modes, on the other hand, instead serve to highlight its hybrid capabilities. 

Safety

For safety, both crossovers are provided with anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-start assist, a reverse camera, front/rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, among others. 

The Mitsubishi’s basic safety kit includes an active yaw control system, which helps give maximum traction to the vehicle by sending the right amount of brake force to the right wheels. 

Both vehicles also get dual front airbags, curtain airbags, and side airbags, but the Corolla Cross G adds to those with a driver’s knee airbag. 

Concerning advanced driver-assist features, the XForce GT gets forward collision mitigation, lead car notification, blind-spot warning, rear-cross traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The Toyota Corolla Cross, meanwhile, only fits an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) to its higher-spec V and GR-S trims. 

Pricing, Variants

Mitsubishi XForce

• XForce 1.5 GLS CVT: P1.367 million
• XForce 1.5 GT CVT: P1.581 million

Toyota Corolla Cross

• Corolla Cross G HEV: P1.498 million
• Corolla Cross V HEV: P1.763 million
• Corolla Cross GR-S HEV: P1.917 million

Final thoughts

First off, remember that the Corolla Cross G is a larger vehicle than the XForce GT. So if you’re the kind of buyer who is after the most legroom, then you might want to lean more towards the Toyota. 

For the same reason, the Toyota model might be more attractive to those who want more power on tap. It does, after all, have a larger displacement engine, which also gets propulsion assistance from an electric powertrain. 

For buyers wanting to get a better infotainment, the XForce GT may be the go-to ride. It has a larger central screen and a better sound system. Newbie drivers may also want to lean towards the Mitsubishi because of its array of ADAS features. 

Those serious about getting either of the two, however, should consider taking each model for a test drive. Doing so will result in a more informed car purchase in the end. 

Also read: 

Mitsubishi XForce: 4 powerful colors

Exploring Mitsubishi XForce's interior

Here are the Mitsubishi XForce's 2 available trims